GIRSAL Urges Ghanaian Exporters to Reposition Strategically for International Markets
The Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) has called on Ghanaian exporters to upgrade and align with global standards.
Speaking at a side event with about fifty Ghanaian exhibitors at the 2026 Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, Germany, the GIRSAL Board Chairperson, Mr Richard Jinks Bani, underscored the need for Ghanaian exporters to produce quality products in high volumes to meet international market demands.
“Participation alone is not enough; you must engage strategically, understand buyer expectations, and scale operations competitively to grow exports,” Mr. Bani told the Ghanaian exhibitors, which included the Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), AB Farms, Maphlix Trust Ghana Ltd, Shrigan Farms, Fidelity Bank, Golden Riverside, SPEG, Chartered Impressions, SVN Farms, and Rosewood.
He disclosed that GIRSAL plans to expand access to agricultural finance, strengthen collaborations with commercial banks, and support agribusinesses in transitioning from domestic to regional and global markets to support the sector.
As part of the growth strategy to support the agribusiness sector, he said, GIRSAL has created a Women and SMEs Desk to support women, build their capacity, help them access GIRSAL facilities through the banks, and provide advisory services to help women entrepreneurs access capital, adopt modern practices, and meet international export requirements.
Speaking to other international exporters, the Chairperson encouraged them to partner with GIRSAL in building a robust export ecosystem.
He assured them of GIRSAL’s support as a reliable partner should they wish to work with or invest in Ghanaian companies.
He further noted that GIRSAL is committed to providing networking and market linkages, connecting women-led businesses with buyers, investors, and development partners to unlock growth opportunities.
“Our vision is to ensure that women and SMEs are fully integrated into Ghana’s export ecosystem,” he said.
Commenting on the way forward, he assured them of GIRSAL’s commitment to holding structured meetings with associations, organisations, and key stakeholders to define how the institution can support exporters and guarantee their access to financing, technical assistance, and market opportunities.
Adding his voice, the Chief Executive Officer for GIRSAL, Mr Nicholas Afrifa, encouraged foreign companies present to invest in and collaborate with Ghanaian agribusinesses, highlighting the country’s competitive advantages, including a stable supply of fresh produce, untapped value chains, and growing domestic expertise.
“Ghana has enormous potential in the agribusiness sector. By combining access to finance, technical support, and strategic partnerships, we are building an environment where both local and foreign companies can thrive. We aim to make Ghana a preferred destination for investment in the global fresh produce market,” Mr Afrifa stated.
The GIRSAL delegation to the trade fair, deemed as one of the world’s largest platforms for fresh produce and horticultural trade, also included Chief Operating Officer Mr Samuel Yeboah and Board member Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa.
GIRSAL’s presence at the 2026 Fruit Logistica reinforces Ghana’s ambition to position its agribusiness sector as a competitive player in the global fresh produce industry, driving exports, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
The 2026 Fruit Logistica trade fair provided a strategic opportunity for Ghana to showcase its agribusiness potential and explore ways to expand the country’s presence in international markets.
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